Handle-bar for velocipedes



(No Model.)

B. G. HICKS.

HANDLE BAR FOR VELOGIPEDES.

No. 586,493. Patented July 13, 1897.

J7U9Z%r. J05]; a zm UNITED STATEs PATENT OFFICE.

BOHN C. HICKS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

HANDLE-BAR FOR VELOCIIPEDES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 586,493, dated July 13, 1897.

Application filed June 6,1896. Serial No. 594,502. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, BOHN C. HICKS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, Cook county, Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Handle-Bars for Velocipedes, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a simple, economical, and efficient handle-bar for velocipedes, one that is adapted to absorb or minimize the vibration ordinarily transmitted through the front forks and head portion to the handle; and the invention consists in the features, combinations, and details of construction hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a plan View of my improved handle-bar looking at it from the top; Fig. 2, a side elevation, partly in section; and Fig. 3, an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line 3 of Fig. 2.

In the art to which this invention relates it is well known that in riding a bicycle, tricycle, or similar vehicle there is considerable vibration of the handle-bars at the handle portion which not only annoys the rider, but numbs the hands and tires the muscles, thereby detracting considerablyfrom the muscular and nervous system of the rider. The principal object of my invention therefore is to overcome this objection by providing a handle-bar which will absorb or minimize the vibrations at the handle portions.

In describing and illustrating my improvements I have only described and illustrated that which I consider to be new, leaving out of consideration all of the old and well-known portions of a wheel or velocipede excepting those that are necessary to disclose the invention.

In constructing a handle-bar in accordance with my improvements I use a post portion A of the desired size and shape and preferably divided into two portions a a, the portion a being that portion of the post adapted to engage with the head of the vehicle, the upper portion a carrying the usual handlebar B and handle proper, b. To interrupt, absorb, or minimize the vibrations between the lower portion of the post and the handleportions of the post with two lateral projecting portions C C, preferably pivoted together at c, and to interpose between these portions a piece of non-vibratory material D, preferably rubber. I then provide a clip or collar E, which surrounds such lateral projections to hold them in contact with the cushioning portion or operative engagement, and in order to prevent transmission of vibrations of the elastic material I interpose between the clip and one of the lateral projections, preferably the upper one Cf, a second piece of non-vibratory material G. This clip or collar is provided with a set-screw e for the purpose of more firmly holding the parts in their operative engagement.

The advantages incident to the usage of my improvements can be readily appreciated by persons riding a vehicle, as it will be seen that the lift or pull on the handle-bar is principally taken up by the non-vibratory material, which absorbs or minimizes the transmission of the usual vibrations.

While I have described my invention with more or less minuteness as regards details and as being embodied in certain precise forms, I do not desire to be limited thereto unduly or more than is pointed out in the claim. On the contrary, I contemplate all proper changes in form, construction, and arrangement, the omission of immaterial parts and the substitution of equivalents, as circumstances may suggest or necessity render expedient.

In a handle-bar for velocipedes, the combination of a post or similar portion made in at least two parts and provided with lateral proj ections, a piece of non-vibratory material interposed between such portions, a clip or collar for holding the parts in operative engage ment, and a piece of non-vibratory material inserted between the clip and at one side of the post portions, substantially as described.

BOHN C. HICKS.

\Vitnesses:

THOMAS F. SHERIDAN, THoMAs B. MoGREGoR. 

